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WELLBEING DEMYSTIFYING FEMININE CANCERS UNRAVELLING OESTROGEN
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BEAUTY | FASHION | HOME | WELLBEING | LOCAL ISSUES
January 2019 | Issue 191 | BD1 / SR10
NEW YEAR FITNESS ON THE YOGA MAT WITH FATIMA BATOOK 2019 FITNESS TRENDS
PEOPLE
BETH NOBLE SEEING INVISIBLE BEAUTY
HOMES
THE FEEL-GOOD FACTOR
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Digital Edition
JANUARY FASHION 8 Essentials: 10 Things to Try in December 10 Focus: Supporting Role 12 Trend: Sports Touch 14 Moodboard: Acid Reflex 16 Fashion Forward: News from around the industry
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PEOPLE 18-19 Imtiaz For Her Hosts: Execution is Everything 20 Beth Noble: Finding Invisible Beauty
FEATURE NEW YEAR FITNESS & WELLBEING 23 2019 Fitness Trends 24-25 On the Mat with Fatima Batook 26-27 Demystifying Feminine Cancers 28 Oestrogen 101
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BEAUTY
32-32 Trends: What to watch for in 2019 34 News: Latest products and happenings
LIFESTYLE 36-37 Homes: The Feel-Good Factor 38 Opinion: Vegan View 39 Food: Style and Substance 40 Opinion: Pria Masson Tanwar 41 Opinion: Ouiam Charkani El Hassani
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42 Competition: Pure Yoga + Cycle vouchers 43 In Her Shoes: Minal Bhatia
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EDITOR’S NOTE
appy New Year everyone. I hope you're as excited about the dawning of 2019 as I am. I'm determined that this will be the year when I finally get my act together, lose some weight and take a step into fitness. Our photoshoot with Fatima Batook was certainly inspiring, especially when you consider she actually lost 70kg some years ago and now has her own fitness studio - not to mention she looks bloomin' amazing. Eyeing her sculpted form, it became clear that walking the dogs is no longer enough, so it was fun looking at the coming year's fitness trends to see what might be in the pipeline to help on my fitness journey - anyone coming down the barre? The beauty trends, I must say, did not leave me quite so inspired. Don't get me wrong, I love a bold red lip as much as the next girl but I'm not sure I fancy running an ice roller over my face. I was, though, happy to see that traditionals like aloe are making a comeback. I'm an absolute devotee, I'm pretty sure if they took this stuff to the UN, it could probably bring about world peace. OK, slight over exaggeration, but you get my meaning. I was also pleased to read Dr Murat's piece on uterine cancers as it seems, these days, we are all very breast aware, but other female cancers are taking a back seat. Too many of us are neglecting Pap smears, which can save our lives. Take a tip from Dr Murat and go for regular screening. I'm happy to introduce some new contributors this month in the shape of Laetitia and Theresa, the women behind the blog liveandtaste. Health-conscious mums who love all the things we do - trendy accessories, home décor and a certain lifestyle - they'll be joining us every few months to share healthy and tasty recipes. I'm loving the look of this month's tahini energy balls. Elsewhere this month, I'm also planning to take some tips from our financial expert Pria Masson Tanwar. She's absolutely right, you don't need to wait till spring to clean out your financial closet - I might actually have to forego my usual trip to the January sales, I reckon they come under non-essential expenses!
This month I’m lusting after… Baby, it’s almost cold enough outside for these fake fur cuffs. And, since I’m channeling my inner animal, I’m also loving these dinky bags. They’re all on offer at Parfois. I feel a shopping trip coming on.
January 2019
DIGITAL & CONTENT MARKETING TEAM Digital Strategy Director LINI REGUNATH MADHAVAN Content Editor ADNAN SIPRA Video Producer DARIO GODIC Art & Animation Director HATEM MONEM Contents copyrighted 2019© Reproduction in whole or in part by any means without the express written consent of the publisher is prohibited. ISBN No: 1 899348 11 5. Licensed by the Ministry of Information, Directorate of Publication and Press. Code: SWTM 410 Woman This Month is here for the modern woman of substance and aspiration, embodying a personal style while exploring the best of all worlds: fashion, beauty and lifestyle. Bahrain office address Red House Marketing P. O. Box: 20461, Manama, Kingdom of Bahrain telephone: (17) 813-777 fax: (17) 813-700 email: editor@womanthismonth.com WEBSITE: www.womanthismonth.com Published monthly by Red House Marketing (Jersey) Ltd. P. O. Box 641, No. 1 Seaton Place, St. Helier, Jersey JE4 8JJ Channel Islands, U.K. in association with Al-Hilal Publishing P. O. Box 1100, Manama, Kingdom of Bahrain
Liz O’Reilly Editorial Director
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chairman & publisher GEORGE F MIDDLETON editorial director LIZ O'REILLY contributors BEHNAZ SANJANA FERNANDA LANGHAMMER OIUAM CHARKANI EL HASSANI PRIA MASSON TANWAR LAHAN SPERINCK LAETITIA & THERESA ANN VARGHESE print production manager SABU SEBASTIAN layout & graphics y l HATEM MONEM The on 's n media coordinator e m o w SARAH ANSARI ine magaz with media managers d e t u FARHEEN AHMED distrib GDN photography editor the MUNA YOUSEF photographers RANJITH MOHAN SUBEESH KUMAR NS printing press DAR AKHBAR AL KHALEEJ W.L.L., BAHRAIN
January 2019, Issue 191 On the cover: Fatima Batook
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FASHION |essentials
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White Winter. It might not snow in the Middle East, but you can at least cover your feet in pretend snow. Take inspiration from ‘60s booties for your next footwear buy.
Barely There. Simple make-up with powdered skin, black mascara and hints of coral is all you need to start 2019 at your best!
The ten must-try trends in the new year are here! Fernanda Langhammer has selected fashion bits and interesting beauty tricks to be given a shot at the turn of the year.
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Dune London
Protective garments are the new kids on the block
Pattern Binding.The best friends of the season must be checks and animal print. Leopard motif works beautifully with red and green accents.
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Bug me Beetles, bees and dragonflies are the little gems to attach to your accessories. Yes, they are flying back onto the fashion scene.
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Moschino
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Pick two complimentary nail polishes and fall in love with half-moon nail art
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And the season for the funky pompom hat is officially open!
Zara
Michael Kors Collection
Calvin Klein
Go team, go! Support your favourite club and look top notch!
The Intertwine. January is here and likewise our chance of wearing some knitwear. Think a lightweight total look for a perfect winter wonderland scenario. Classic, elegant and laidback style.
CH Carolina Herrera
Altuzarra
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Keep Warm Quilted padded jackets are fashionable, which is the best excuse to maintain your body heat in very low temperatures. However, if the thermometer doesn’t go below 10 degrees Celsius, just wear it to look cool.
Versace
Giorgio Armani
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Superdry
Mango
10 Things to Try This Month
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Festive
Glam JO Z SA LO N & SP A JUFFAIR 17369133 |
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FASHION | focus
SUPPORTING ROLE
Accessories are essential details to give that extra touch to your look. This month, Fernanda Langhammer talks about an underdog piece that has more relevance than we give it credit for. Check out the many options you have to transform your outfit!
Marks & Spencer
River Island
Belts are usually not viewed as a crucial element when putting a look together. They have a functional role – to keep your trousers from falling down. But, at its best, the humble belt can be a lead item. For instance, highlighting your waist is the best way to create a chic silhouette. Loose dresses or even long tops can look much better when accompanied by a thin or wide belt, depending on how dramatic you want the effect to be. The hourglass shape can also be accomplished with a high-waisted skirt or trousers. To accentuate your shape, wear an eyecatching belt on top of the waistband. To make belts more appealing, look for different types to play with; think bright colours and edgy shapes. See below for some ideas on upgrading your look.
Jewel. Do you want to awe your audience? Pick a jewelled item! It will elevate your day-to-day outfit and add that extra sparkle to your evening look.
Rope. Not the kind of belt that first comes to your mind, but certainly one to show your fashion chops. Wear it at the waist of a cotton dress for a casual day look or on a kimono jacket for a night out.
However, not the most appropriate item to hold up your trousers or to make a statement.
this type of belt comes with its own personality. You can wear it at the waist for a more stylish take or in the belt loops of your denims for a more casual and obvious placement.
Wide. This belt is a real statement piece.
Scarf. This piece here is a scarf and a
Skinny. A great option to make your waist the centre of attention without being a stand out.
It marks your waist very well and holds everything in place. The only downside is that, depending on its width, it may not pass through your belt loops, so wear it over the top of them with no regrets!
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Western. Following the season’s trend,
January 2019
Bag. The trendiest piece of the moment, the belt bag was featured in many of the season’s fashion shows, consequently you can find it in lots of stores. This is definitely a statement item that works two ways. It’s the best option for clubbing nights or festivals, when all you want is to have freedom to dance the night away.
chain, but you could just use a beautiful piece of cloth to achieve the same effect. It will make your look more sophisticated and still fill its function.
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FASHION | trend
SPORTS TOUCH Called side stripe, racing stripe or ribbon, this is a detail that comes from the athletics universe straight to your stylish wardrobe. In its new environment, its placement goes beyond trainers and sweatshirts. Embrace the sportive girl in you without losing your vogue.
CH Carolina Herrera Evans
New Look
Glamorous
Bershka
Miss Selfridge
Felling edgy? Look for original Dune London
shoes that feature these stripes. Pair them with your LBD to flaunt your offbeat style.
Lacoste
New Look
January 2019
Michael Kors Collection
Deichmann
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Oliver Bonas
pair of high-heeled shoes. Opt for thin-strapped, high-heeled sandals for provocative pizzazz.
Matalan
Extra point: Team them with a comfortable
Dune London
Must-have: One or two pairs of wide-legged trousers with a contrasting side stripe. Wear them to do your errands for absolute comfort!
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SOCIAL BUTTERFLY
10th Anniversary of City Centre Bahrain
On behalf of Majid Al Futtaim, City Centre Bahrain celebrated its 10th Anniversary, at the mall’s Central Galleria
Get your favourite partner anytime at www.redhousemarketing.com
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redhousemarketing January 2019
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Prada
Chromat
Tom Ford
Balmain
ACID EX REFL
Moschino
Balenciaga
Ulla Johnson
Marni
FASHION | moodboard
Jason Wu Gucci
Simply Be
Dune London
Salvatore Ferragamo
righten up your days with neon colours! Leave the winter blues in the wardrobe and hit the streets in flashy tones. The bright shades of green, orange, yellow, pink and blue might look more appropriate for summer days, however, this season, designers from the four fashion capitals dictated that this time they wanted vivid pieces. Not only colourful, but luminescent, sour candies to illuminate the cloudy days ahead. Thankfully, our little island doesn’t suffer from too many hazy days, so the radiant palette works even better! Best paired with contrasting hues, luminous tops work really well with black bottoms and dark accessories. They also look good with tones of grey and the ever-present white. Marni stepped up mixing and matching dazzling colours with a black background, while Tom Ford bet on glowing animal print. Salvatore Ferragamo, Jeremy Scott and Jason Wu painted their accessories in neon shades to create glowing focal points. In parallel with the clothing trend, make-up artists also believe it’s time to add a few intense colours to your face. Shimmering eye-liners and eyeshadows make your eyes pop to complete your vibe. Embark on a little trip to the eighties to embrace this style at its craziest!
Jeremy Scott for Longchamp
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SOCIAL BUTTERFLY
Sri Lankan Produce and Food Mart
The opening ceremony of the Sri Lankan Produce and Food Mart was held in the presence of HE Dr A Saj U Mendis, the Sri Lankan Ambassador, at the Lulu Hypermarket Premises in Juffair Mall
NEW www.womanthismonth.com
January 2019
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FASHION | forward
Fashion Goes Environment-Friendly Heavy hitters in the fashion industry have signed up to the newly launched UN Climate Change Fashion Industry Charter for Climate Action which aims to see the industry achieve net zero emissions by 2050. Among the 43 signatories are big names such as Burberry, Gap, H&M and Puma as well as retailers and supply-chain organisations including China National Textile and Apparel Council and Maersk. Signatories commit to implementing or supporting 16 principles and targets that will be developed collectively through working groups convened by the UN Climate Change. An initial target is to reduce aggregate greenhouse gas emissions by 30 per cent by 2030. Designer Stella McCartney helped launch the new charter at COP24 and is one of the founding signatories. She said: “Collectively we have a voice and the capacity to make a difference.”
Affordable Marc Jacobs is Coming Design house Marc Jacobs has announced the launch an affordable new line for pre-fall 2019. Very little detail has so far been released as to what we can expect but fashion industry bible Women’s Wear Daily published a campaign image showing models in oversized striped sweatshirts styled with colourful wide-leg trousers. Both are wearing charm necklaces and sunglasses. The new line, titled The Marc Jacobs, will bring solace to those still mourning the demise of his previous, reasonably priced fusion label Marc by Marc Jacobs, which was discontinued in 2015 amid rumours of strife and job losses at the brand.
H&M’s Latest Cult Collabo
Matches Goes Sneakers Crazy
Iconic Brit fashion retailer, matchesfashion. com, has taken its cue from the Fashion Week runways and is putting sneakers and trainers front and centre as everyday wear rather than just for the gym. The brand has launched its SS19 Sneaker Studio featuring a collective of exclusive styles from 13 brands including Acne Studios, Chloe, Eytys, Fendi, Ganni, Jil Sander, Golden Goose Deluxe, Marques Almeida, Primury, Vetements, By Walid, Peterson Stoop and Alexander McQueen. Head of Womenswear, Cassie Smart explains: ‘‘Trainers have become a key wardrobe item and this launch represents an opportunity for us to focus on this idea of curation around one product category. We worked closely with the brands to select and develop global exclusives, using different colour ways and silhouettes, that we felt represented the diverse style of our matchesfashion. com women. The edit represents the transformation of the trainer, beyond leisure, to a fashion staple.’’
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H&M has done it again. This time it’s a collaboration with fellow Swedish fashion brand Eytys. The Stockholme-based, fashion insider brand is known for its streamlined yet chunkysoled shoes, unisex approach and perfectly designed wardrobe staples. The Eytys x H&M line will feature unisex shoes, clothing and accessories for adults and a selection for kids, designed in collaboration with the H&M in-house team. The collection will be available in selected stores worldwide from January 24. The line includes sneakers, shoes and boots in leather, suede and cotton canvas along with jackets, tops, trousers and jeans in materials such as cotton twill, faux patent leather, nylon and raw denim. All the shoes have the distinctive Eytys sole, while the clothes have boxy silhouettes and don’t distinguish between garments for women or men.
Dubai Design Takes on the Universe
UAE-based design house Michael Cinco made an appearance at the recent Miss Universe pageant worn by Canadian-Polish model, competitor Marta Magdalena Stepien. The beauty had made a surprise appearance earlier to close the designer’s show at Arab Fashion Week and the two had teased the floor sweeping, crystal embellished gown with appearances on Instagram prior to the competition. Filipino, Michael Cinco, established his eponymous line in Dubai in 2003 and boasts big-name clientele such as Rihanna, Lady Gaga and Beyonce. www.womanthismonth.com
SOCIAL BUTTERFLY
Grand Raffle
A Grand Raffle for Imtiaz For Her was held at the Bahrain International Exhibition & Convention Centre
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January 2019
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showcase
Hosts
EXECUTION IS EVERYTHING In the latest in a series tackling issues faced by women in business, we look at the importance of action.
WEJDAN ISMAIL owner of Burrito Loco, Noodle Wok and Sandwich Guys. It has been said that ideas are not enough. What would you say are the three major steps to successful execution?
The first step is to make sure that your idea makes sense and that there’s a market for your product. I always give the example of designer baby clothes – if you look at the Bahrain market, you split it into the people who are too old or too young for kids and the people who can’t afford designer, it doesn’t leave you much of a market. Second, being very aware of costs and how to price your product so you can make money is essential. A lot of entrepreneurs believe they need someone to help them make a business plan – someone who’ll find a property, set out costs etcetera. When I built my first shop, I thought I was getting a good deal. The second one cost me 60 per cent less! These days I know the price of everything from tiles, to glue. And drill down on those details, find ways to squeeze those costs. Thirdly, get really involved. Not everyone can be there running the business dayto-day, they may have another job. But certainly, very close involvement is the best thing you can do for your business.
So many people rely on a manager to run their business for them. In my experience, this can work, but you’re never going to get the same level of success as if you are running things yourself.
What was your vision when you set out to offer a service? And how did you reflect this in the product?
I started seven years ago and, at that time, it was hard to find products in the market that were fast, tasty and fresh. Going to a restaurant takes longer and is expensive. There is also the quick and cheap which is super-low quality. I don’t want to spend BD5 on my lunch each day, I want to spend BD2 or BD3. A lot of my clients do that every week. Provide fresh, clean, high-quality food and you get people hooked.
What market research did you do?
We did a lot of guerilla market research. I would go to a location, walk into every shop on the street and interview people – asking them about their business. It’s about understanding what’s a good location. I will go there and park and watch people going in and out. Look to see if there are hospitals and banks etcetera, which bring people to an
area. I look at competitors’ prices and I check everything on Instagram.
How important is recruitment, retention and training of staff in the successful execution of a business plan?
Fast food will always have a lot of turnover, it’s frustrating. But we have gotten better and put in incentives to keep people with us.
What would be your message for anyone who believes they have a good idea but is looking for ways to get it off the ground?
This comes back to what I said at first. You have to make sure you have a good product, you can’t just plough ahead with something because you love the idea if it’s not going to work as a business. Have a business partner who you trust; I would have struggled to do this alone. Also, make sure to consider how long it will take you to get your business up and running – do you have that time? When do you need to start to break-even? Become profitable? You have to think one to two years ahead.
It has been said that ideas are not enough. What would you say are the three major steps to successful execution?
NARISE KAMBAR owner of Saffron by Jena and Jena Bakery. 18
January 2019
Yes it’s true, great ideas aren’t everything but planning well and having a great strategy for your company is what’s going to make you distinct and guarantee a successful execution. We need to ask ourselves these questions: Do we have clarity? Is our vision clear? Is the structure of our company, our systems, in alignment with what we have in mind? One of my mottos is ‘right tools, right people’, this is another very important element. Are we on the right track for what we want to www.womanthismonth.com
showcase achieve? Do we need to change our system? Or maybe, we even need to change the people executing the system. You have to keep constantly checking that you’re on the right track.
What was your vision when you set out to offer a service? And how did you reflect this in the product?
My vision was to create really good-quality products that felt like they were homebaked and home-cooked. I wanted to offer an experience where the person that would come to our place would feel like they are, for a minute, transformed into a time from the past. I’m happy with the success I’ve achieved but I still have much bigger and better plans. I still haven’t approached any of the wonderful institutions we have like the EDB and Tamkeen to see how I can grow my business, and this is something I’m considering doing.
How important is recruitment, retention and training of staff in the successful execution of a business plan? It’s everything, your business is your people. I will be honest and say that at the beginning of the business, the time when my voice was not heard, there were some very tyrant-like people that I employed to help me who took over and recruited people that would serve their own purposes. As soon as I understood, that’s when my rebellion started. When I felt people were not being given their rights and were afraid of this awful manager. I’m very, very protective of my staff and I care about them. We do training for those with less experience. I am involved in every process of hiring and firing and I’ve really learned a lot from that. The best question anyone could ask themselves in business – is this good for your company? It’s so important to build a very strong team around you.
What would be your message for anyone who believes they have a good idea but is looking for ways to get it off the ground?
Two words – start now! And another great two words, for anyone who has fear in their hearts – be prepared! Start now. Leave everything and take a paper and pen and write 15 things that will contribute to achieving your goal. You might not be able to achieve them straight away but, from the 15 things, circle five that you can do now, and do them; when we take something from the world of dreams and put it into reality, even the first step of reality, it makes achieving it more of a tangible. The second thing about being prepared is that people are often scared. So, it’s like a little Girl Scout pledge – be prepared. It’s doing the necessary that puts you on the right path. Prepare yourself in terms of taking courses, learning, contacting the right people, networking, making plans, seeking the right advisors. If your feelings change, then your actions will start to change.
YATHREB ALA’AMERI Owner of House of H jewellery shop. It has been said that ideas are not enough. What would you say are the three major steps to successful execution?
For me the three major steps to success are: visualisation, planning and decision making, and implementation with proper appliance.
What was your vision when you set out to offer a service? And how did you reflect this in the product?
At first I was just working on handmade jewellery. As time passed, I slowly launched my own jewellery shop which is selling personalised accessories and silver pieces for girls who love to wear jewellery not just for parties but for daily use. Happily, today I have reached the stage of designing and selling diamonds and gold.
What market research did you do?
I just tried to sell my products online at first, to see how it would go. When I realised that many women of my age liked them, I decided to focus and put all my efforts in doing more.
How Important is recruitment, retention and training of staff in the successful execution of a business plan? Staff training, recruitment, and retention is important since they will be the face of your business in front of your prospective clients. As long as you show them compassion, inspire them to innovate and make them feel successful, they will carry out the job perfectly. I strongly believe that engaged employees are your top competitive advantage.
What would be your message for anyone who believes they have a good idea but is looking for ways to get it off the ground?
Don't be afraid to put into practice your passion and ideas. Don't stop learning. Success does not lie in results but in effort. Being right is not so important, however, doing what is right is all that matters. Always be confident and believe that you can reach your goals.
For inquiries please contact the brand managers via email: forher@bahraincredit.com.bh or on whatsapp 34 422-227 / 33 282-228 www.womanthismonth.com
January 2019
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PEOPLE | interview
FINDING INVISIBLE BEAUTY Liz O’Reilly talks to artist Beth Noble about the dual message of her latest exhibition.
I
f you’ve visited the InTouch Clinic in Janabiya recently, you’ll, no doubt, have spotted an eclectic selection of works by artist Beth Noble adoring the walls and dotted around the space. It’s her first solo exhibition in Bahrain, running till the end of January, and she explains that there are two sides to the pieces. Australian Beth came here from Madrid, with her husband’s job, almost four years ago. She says: “I love it. For me it’s very exotic. People are friendly and I love the climate plus it’s interesting – there are lots of interesting stories, you get to meet people here that you wouldn’t otherwise but that can be hard when friends leave. You have to become comfortable with the transient nature. I have travelled to about 40 countries across the world and I think the anchor for me is my creativity. It’s my continuity.” Her current exhibition is called Invisible: Revealing Everyday Beauty and it includes painting, sculpture, quilting, photography and recycled pieces. Beth explains: “It’s about how creativity reveals the unseen. I’m capturing and documenting the everyday things that people don’t see. “There two sides to it. One side is almost about how creativity is therapeutic, how the creative act can take us from fear to love and it looks at grief and loss and love.” Artistically inclined since childhood, Beth rediscovered her talents later on in life. She
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me, trying to simplify things. We see a lot of visual communication – I think this has grown a lot with media, social media and news but we need to take a moment to look at the trees and what’s around us.” Returning to the show, she explains: “The other side is the invisible in terms of what we throw away. It’s invisible to us, but has an effect on us all. I have been doing plastic collages – photographing the plastic and using it in my work. There’s a part of one plastic collage that is an organic landscape, though it is small. From a creative point of view, I find it interesting. There’s another that looks like fabric – this is all recycled stuff, things that people don’t see as useful or beautiful, in their regular form.”
says: I was a high-achieving academic but became very depressed. I went travelling and began sketching and journalling. Painting allowed me to understand my own creativity. Since I was a small child, it’s always been a great hook for me to work through things and keep grounded. In 2004 I started painting at a friend’s home and I was thinking of the last time I was with my grandmother – it was emotional and I remember it still. It was a way of dealing with grief and loss.” As she continued to travel, she adds: “I started looking at things around me. Didn’t necessarily paint, but looking at things around
Expressing her gratitude to InTouch, Beth adds: “It’s an interesting space. There’s the waiting room where I’ve put plastics and ocean textures but then in the treatment rooms there are more intimate spaces. There I’ve used things like the sunflowers picture I took from a car window – it shows the anonymity of city living. It shows flowers aging gracefully but still beautiful and there are points of grief and loss – another theme on how creativity helped me through periods of transition and depression.” Mostly self-taught, Beth says her work is a process of experimentation and developing observational skills. For the future, she’s planning to develop the plastic theme and also looking at memory and photographs. www.womanthismonth.com
SOCIAL BUTTERFLY
grand inauguration ceremony of Al Hilal Multispecialty Medical Center, Salmabad, was held under the Inauguration Ceremony The patronage of the Ministry of Health, HE Dr Faeqa bint Saeed Al Saleh
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January 2019
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SOCIAL BUTTERFLY
Kenwood Kitchen Star Cooking Contest
22 January 2019
The Kenwood Kitchen Star cooking contest was held at Ramli Mall as part of the Kenwood Recipe Book launch
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THE LATEST WAYS TOGET FIT
GOING TO THE BARRE
It seems we’re all going to be heading to the barre this year for what’s known as barre fitness, a mix of Pilates, dance, yoga and functional training. Workouts use various exercise equipment such as hand weights to sculpt, slim and stretch the whole body.
HELPFUL APPINESS
If your New Year fitness regime involves the addition of supplements and watching your diet, there are several apps out there all ready to help. MyFitnessPal and Lose It are among a multitude of food trackers while Healthspan will help you keep track of the vitamins, minerals and other supplements you’re taking. www.womanthismonth.com
FEATURE | new year fitness
It’s that time of year, you know, New Year – New Me and all that jazz. So, we’ve rounded up a few of the fitness trends we’re hoping to see on the island in 2019, alongside some that are already here. We’re rather excited by the thought of shorter workouts and going to the barre.
NINJA WARRIORS
Blog myfitnesspal.com says we should be looking out for Ninja Warrior gyms following the success of TV show American Ninja Warrior. The fitness industry certainly has its finger on the pulse of popular culture so don’t be surprised if this movement, which is already popular in the US, finds its way to us with workout spaces featuring an array of physical challenges including the famous warped wall, a vertical ramp that you have to run up.
SHORTER AND SWEATIER
There’s good news and bad news, workouts are about to become shorter but we’ll still be tackling high-intensity, so they won’t actually get too much easier. Apparently with HIIT (high-intensity interval training), you only need to workout for 15 minutes, if you’re working at the right intensity.
TAKE TO THE TREADMILL
OK, so the treadmill is definitely not a new piece of equipment. But in recent years, they have taken a back seat at the gym in favour of the higher-energy workouts. But a survey in the US by ClassPass found an 82 per cent increase in 2018 for classes that incorporate treadmills. It seems the humble running machine is, once again, in favour. January 2019
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FEATURE | fitness
GET ON THE
MAT
As we head into the New Year, virtually all of us are looking to get fitter and perhaps aiming to drop those festive-season kilos. Fatima Batook, founder of Pure Yoga and Cycle, who is both a yoga teacher and master spinning instructor, introduces us to the two disciplines which helped her lose 70kg and completely overhaul her health, fitness and lifestyle.
DANCER POSE
SANSKRIT NATARAJASANA
Benefits:
• Builds full-body strength, flexibility and coordination. • Opens the shoulders, chest and hips. • Stretches and strengthens the thighs, ankles and abdomen. • Develops greater flexibility in your spine, shoulders and hamstrings.
FOUR-LIMBED STAFF POSE
SANSKRIT CHATURANGA DANDASANA
Benefits:
• Strengthens arm, shoulder and leg muscles. • Develops core stability. • Prepares body for inversions and arm balances.
UPWARD DOG POSE
SANSKRIT URDHVA MUKHA SVANASANA
Benefits:
• Improves posture. • Strengthens the spine, arms, wrists. • Stretches chest and lungs, shoulders and abdomen. • Firms the buttocks. • Stimulates abdominal organs. • Helps relieve mild depression, fatigue, and sciatica. • Therapeutic for asthma
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FEATURE | fitness
DOWNWARD-FACING DOG SANSKRIT ADHO MUKHA SVANASANA
Deservedly one of yoga's most widely recognised poses as it has many benefits: • Calms the brain and helps relieve stress and mild depression. • Energises the body. • Stretches the shoulders, hamstrings, calves, arches and hands. • Strengthens the arms and legs. • Helps relieve the symptoms of menopause. • Relieves menstrual discomfort with head supported. • Helps prevent osteoporosis.
TREE POSE SANSKRIT VRIKSHASANA
This asana improves:
• Balance. • Poise. • Posture. • Concentration. • Increases the range of motion in the hips. • Deepens the thorax. • Strengthens the ankles. • Tones the muscles of the legs, back and chest.
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SPINNING Benefits:
• Low impact – While running is great for your cardiovascular health, it can be tough on your legs, knees, ankles and feet. Spin gets your legs moving and your heart pumping without pounding on your joints, resulting in a smoother, lower impact form of cardio. • Low risk of injury – While certain other forms of exercise have a higher risk for injuries such as overstretching, joint injuries, sprains or muscle tears, spin prevents these types of injuries. As you cycle, you guide your own movements and leave the pressure off of your joints. • Weight loss – Spinning will help you blast through calories, resulting in weight loss. In one hour of spin class, you could potentially burn up to 600 calories! • Toned muscles – Your legs aren’t the only muscles working during a spin workout. Spinning uses every single part of the body, building strength and toning all muscles. • Improved cardiovascular health – Spinning uses the largest muscle group in your legs, raising your heart rate and pumping blood through your whole body to build stamina and increase cardiovascular fitness. This also helps aid in heart disease prevention. • Stronger immune system – Studies show that during exercise, the number of immune system cells circulating throughout the body rises. Therefore, cycling regularly helps the body become more vigilant of bacteria and viruses that can cause sickness. January 2019
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showcase DR MURAT WOMEN’S CLINIC
DEMYSTIFYING FEMININE CANCERS
Expert Dr Murat writes for WTM on an issue that is too frequently avoided.
UTERUS CANCER: Regular Screening and Prevention
Endometrial cancer is a type of uterine cancer that involves the lining of the uterus (the endometrium). There are two types of endometrial cancer, which are classified by their relationship to oestrogen hormone stimulation. Endometrial cancer is the most common cancer of the organs of the female reproductive system. It usually occurs in women over the age of 50, and thus after menopause, but up to 25 per cent of cases may occur before the menopause. At diagnosis, about 75 per cent of women have a cancer confined to the uterus (stage I). For these women, the prognosis is very good. Today, it is not clear why endometrial cancer occurs. Some risk factors have been identified.
There are several recognised pathologic and clinical factors that can identify if you are at an increased risk of relapse after surgery, or treatments which can help your doctor determine an appropriate treatment pathway. There are even genetic-related endometrial cancers, which account for up to five per cent of cases.
Risk factors include:
1. Aging 2. Genes 3. Family history of endometrial cancer 4. Personal history of certain gynaecological diseases 5. Exposure to oestrogen 6. Overweight and obesity 7. Diabetes 8. Hypertension 9. Geographic factors 10. No pregnancy and total number of menstrual cycles Taking contraceptive pills containing both oestrogen and progesterone lower the risk of developing endometrial cancer. Other factors have been suspected to be associated with an increased risk (alcohol consumption, lack of physical activity) or a decreased risk (consumption of phytoestrogens found in soya food, coffee and vegetables) of developing endometrial
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cancer, but the evidence is inconsistent. Treatment for endometrial cancer depends on the risk for persistent or recurrent disease after surgical therapy:
Low-risk disease
The risk of relapse after surgery for low-risk endometrial cancer is very low, with estimates placed at five per cent or less. Given this, no further treatment is generally recommended.
Intermediate-risk disease
Women with low-intermediate risk disease can be observed without further treatment, since their risk of relapse after surgery alone is low (five per cent or less). Women with high-intermediate risk endometrial cancer benefit from adjuvant therapy to help reduce the chances of the cancer coming back in the pelvis (also known as a local recurrence). For most women with intermediate-risk disease, adjuvant vaginal or external beam radiation therapy is given. Of the two ways to give radiation, vaginal brachytherapy seems to be as effective as external beam radiation therapy, with fewer gastrointestinal side effects. These modes of radiation therapy are described below.
High-risk disease
Women with high-risk endometrial cancer are treated with adjuvant chemotherapy, especially if the disease is located outside www.womanthismonth.com
showcase of the uterus. Adjuvant radiation with or without chemotherapy is administered to decrease relapse, particularly if the disease is limited to the pelvis. Doctors will need to consider many aspects of both the patient and the cancer in order to decide on the best treatment. The cornerstone of treatment is surgery. Radiotherapy and chemotherapy used after surgery are called adjuvant therapies, meaning that they are used in addition to surgery. Even a tailored and recommended surgery performed by a skilled gynaecological oncologist will impact the patient’s prognosis. Treatments have their benefits, their risks and their contraindications. It is recommended to ask doctors about the expected benefits and risks of every treatment in order to be informed of the consequences of the treatment. For some patients, several treatment possibilities are available and the choice should be discussed according to the balance between expected benefits and risks. Regular check-ups and screening related to age are a very important milestone of early diagnostic and excellent prognosis of uterine cancer. Screening consists of performing an examination in order to detect cancer at an early stage, before any sign of the disease appears. A systematic screening is proposed if a safe and acceptable exam can be performed and if this exam is able to detect cancer in the majority of cases. It should also be proved that treating screened cancers is more effective than treating cancers diagnosed because signs of cancer were present. For example, this has been demonstrated for the Pap smear test used in cervical cancer screening.
Cancer surveillance
Experts recommend close follow-up after the completion of treatment for endometrial cancer, particularly in the first three years after diagnosis, when the risk of recurrence is highest. This usually includes a history and physical exam every three to six months for several years. Other tests, like Pap smears, blood tests and computed tomography (CT) scans or other radiology tests, should be done only as needed. If the cancer does not come back after five years, women can usually stop seeing the oncologist and return to their primary care provider or women's healthcare provider. Women should call their doctor if they develop any symptoms of vaginal bleeding, pain in the belly or pelvis, a cough that will not go away or unintentional weight loss. These could be signs that the cancer has come back.
usually experience symptoms of menopause. This may include hot flashes, night sweats, and vaginal dryness. The most effective treatment for these symptoms is the female hormone oestrogen. Most experts think that oestrogen is a reasonable option for women with endometrial cancer. You should discuss the potential risks and benefits of oestrogen with your doctor. For women receiving adjuvant treatment, some experts recommend waiting six to 12 months after finishing treatment before beginning oestrogen therapy. Other non-hormonal treatments for menopausal symptoms are available; these are discussed separately.
Sexual issues after treatment
Changes in the vagina are common after endometrial cancer treatment. Pelvic or vaginal radiation can cause the vagina to shorten, narrow and feel dry. These changes can cause pain with sex (also called dyspareunia). Many of these problems are treatable: Ask your doctor or nurse about using vaginal dilators to prevent and treat narrowing of the vagina. Use a vaginal moisturiser or lubricant during sex to treat dryness. Women with endometrial cancer may be able to use a vaginal oestrogen (a cream, vaginal ring or pill) to treat dryness. Pelvic physical therapy and counselling for sexual or psychological difficulties can be helpful. Patients should undergo follow-up visits every three to four months with physical and gynaecological examination for the first two years, and then with a six-month interval until five years. Further investigations can be performed, if clinically indicated. It can be hard to live with the idea that the cancer can come back. From what is known today, no specific way of decreasing the risk of recurrence* after completion of the
adjuvant* treatment can be recommended. As a consequence of the cancer itself and of the treatment, return to normal life may not be easy for some people. Questions related to body image, sexuality, fatigue, work, emotions or lifestyle may be of concern to you. Discussing these questions with relatives, friends or doctors may be helpful. Dr Murat as an internationally known minimal invasive gynaecologist, gynaecological oncologist and breast surgeon, providing the fully equipped and standard-based diagnostic and treatments in Dr Murat Women’s Clinic. From genetic testing, to all kinds of imaging with surgical options included. At the same time Dr Murat is the director of the Gynaecological Oncology Unit of King Hamad University Hospital and is providing diagnostics and surgeries for female patients in Bahrain. He is at the same time a referral centre for female cancers in Bahrain.
Treating menopausal symptoms
Premenopausal women who have had their ovaries removed as part of treatment www.womanthismonth.com
January 2019
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LIFESTYLE | wellbeing
OESTROGEN
101
Women have more than men and it has a huge effect on our lives.What is it? Oestrogen! Behnaz Sanjana gets the lowdown on this allimportant hormone.
W
e all have hormones doing their respective jobs in our bodies. They are the chemical messengers produced by the glands, and are responsible for various functions – from creating hunger to regulating moods and emotions. Oestrogen is one of the most important female reproductive hormones, the other being progesterone, says Dr Murat Koc, consultant gynaecologist and gynae-oncologist, who also specialises in breast care. “Oestrogen helps bring about the physical changes that turn a girl into a woman,” he says. “It helps control the menstrual cycle and is important for childbearing, along with checking cholesterol keeping bones, heart and skin healthy. Oestrogen also affects the mood.”
Some women get menstrual migraine, a bad headache right before their menstrual period, due to the drop in oestrogen levels. An excess of oestrogen, aka oestrogen dominance, can lead to weight gain, mainly in the waist, hips, and thighs, very light or heavy menstrual bleeding, severe premenstrual syndrome, fibrocystic breasts (non-cancerous breast lumps), uterine fibroids, fatigue, loss of libido and feeling depressed. Women are frequently prescribed medications containing synthetic hormones, such as hormone therapy (HT), to counter
When oestrogen is lower, or higher, than necessary, women experience symptoms of this imbalance. On attaining menopause (or when the main source of oestrogen, the ovaries, are surgically removed), the levels of the hormone are at an all-time low. This results in infrequent or no menstruation, hot flashes, sleep troubles, low libido, mood swings and dry skin.
Environmental Oestrogens
Hormones are secreted and stored by a network of glands and organs that make up the endocrine system. Endocrine disrupting chemicals (EDCs) are substances in the environment (air, soil or water), food sources, personal care products, and manufactured products that interfere with the normal function of your body’s endocrine system. EDCs can ‘mimic’ our natural hormones, or block them from carrying out their function.
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Sources of EDCs include: • Industrial chemicals and pesticides make their way into the food chain by building up in fresh produce, fish and animals. • Processed foods can accumulate traces of EDCs that leach out of materials used in their manufacturing, processing, transportation and storage. • Soy-based products contain phytoestrogens, which are chemicals produced by plants that mimic oestrogen. • Bisphenol A (BPA), phthalates and phenol are common EDCs found in plastics and food storage containers.
the effects of hormonal imbalances during menopause, or as birth control pills. Dr Murat says: “When the ovaries no longer produce adequate amounts of the reproductive hormones, HT can be given to supplement the body with adequate levels of oestrogen and progesterone. HT helps to replenish the body’s oestrogen, relieving some of the symptoms of menopause.” But synthetically supplementing oestrogen comes with a risk. “While HT helps many women get through menopause, the treatment [like any prescription medicine] is not risk-free. Known repercussions include an increased risk of endometrial and breast cancers, blood clots and stroke, gallstone problems, and dementia [if HT is started 10 years after menopause]. HT does not directly cause breast cancer, but, as 80 per cent of cancer cases are hormone sensitive, it impacts faster development of the disease,” says Dr Murat. HT with oestrogen alone, and a prolonged use of oral contraceptives, can cause dominance of the hormone in the body, which, studies have shown to increase the risk of breast cancer. It is important for women to evaluate the necessity of these medications, in light of the associated risks.
There are EDCs hiding in many common products that we use without a second thought household cleaners, cosmetics, lotions, products with added ‘fragrance’, and anti-bacterial soaps. Seek, and you shall find safe, natural alternatives. Our long-term health is worth it! www.womanthismonth.com
SOCIAL BUTTERFLY
Bahrain Has Gone Audi Event
Audi Centre Bahrain, represented by Behbehani Bros, held a unique evening event titled ‘Bahrain has gone Audi’
Foton Launch Tasheelat held a launch ceremony for Foton in The Diplomat Radisson Blu Hotel, Residence & Spa
Cooking Contest The Italian Embassy held a cooking contest at the Capital Club
Conference
BPW Bahrain held the “Hawa Al Bahrain Al Arabi” conference under the patronage of Dr Ebrahim Janahi, CEO of Tamkeen, at the Sheraton Bahrain Hotel www.womanthismonth.com
January 2019
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SOCIAL BUTTERFLY
WCCI Masquerade Ball
30 January 2019
A Women’s Crisis Care International Masquerade Ball was held at La Fontaine, with Banah in concert, with proceeds going to support women’s empowerment programs at WCCI
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SOCIAL BUTTERFLY
Christmas Tree Lighting and Festiviteis The K Hotel
Ramee Grand Hotel
Diplomat Radisson Blu Hotel
The Ritz-Carlton, Bahrain
LNT Gastropub
Gulf Hotel
Sofitel Bahrain Zallaq Thalassa Sea & Spa
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January 2019
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BEAUTY | trends
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Going Grey
When celebrities like Chrissy Teigen, Jessica Biel, and Katie Holmes showed off their greys on the red carpet, they were unknowingly setting a trend for 2019. According to Pinterest stats, the search for “Grey Hair DIY” went up by 87.9 per cent. The truth is, ladies, the challenge is simply to make greys look sophisticated and alluring at the same time and that’s all about great cut and condition.
2019
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1
French Red Lips
According to Vogue, bold red lips are not going anywhere next year; if anything, they are making a red lipstick, naked eyes, sleek hairdo, comeback in spring 2019. Afterall, what is more French than plump, gorgeous red lips? Get your pillar-box reds at Givenchy and Poire, and rich tomato hues at Koche by Terry Barber to make a statement this winter.
Long-Lasting Manicure
Do you avoid doing your nails in bold colours because you don’t like chipped polish? Well, worry no more! Say hello to the powder-dip nail manicure that has been sneaking up on us. This manicure is done by dipping your finger nails into shimmery powders of your favourite colour, and coating with a transparent varnish to seal, without the need for UV light. The effect lasts for as long as a month, all without chipping. So, the next time you’re at your favourite salon, ask if they do SNS powder dip yet.
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January 2019
Coloured Mascara
After coloured eyeliners, the spring of 2019 is bringing us something much more to pop those diva eyes and bat those long lashes. This is a look that is both daring and effortlessly glam-ready. Show up at your next DJ party or music festival with vibrant coloured eye-lashes, and watch the rest of the eyes follow you. Try out the electric blue at Area, the shadow-mascara harmony at Christian Dior, or the royal blue shade at Dries Van Noten this winter to make an impact at your next barbie. www.womanthismonth.com
BEAUTY | trends
Time for G
Face Rollers
Get rid of your frown lines and reduce morning puffiness with the help of a skin roller. Facial rollers have been around for a while and gained lots of traction among beauty bloggers in 2018, but they are set to become more mainstream in 2019. To depuff and tighten your pores, many are now turning towards ice rollers like the Esarora Ice Roller (USD12 on Amazon), which is first cooled in the freezer and later rolled onto the face to create an instant glow and to rejuvenate tired skin.
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Witch Hazel
There’s a big move towards going back to nature with one of the most effective products rumoured to give glowing skin with just three uses. Witch hazel is a type of plant native to North America, this skin-healing astringent is capable of naturally reducing acne, blisters, insect bites, inflammation and much more. Rush to your nearest drug store to witness its magic for yourself.
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Baby Bangs
Cropped baby bangs have hit the runway with all the major supermodels, like Bella Hadid, now sporting them. I know we are all a little commitment phobic when it comes to wearing bangs, but with the right stylist and hairdo, anyone can pull of a cropped fringe, and you can be the first among your friends to welcome this trend into 2019. However, since it’s really not clear whether Bella’s bangs were a true crop or a very clever clip-in, why not try before you buy. www.womanthismonth.com
January 2019
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BEAUTY | essentials
Maya Diab for L’Oréal Sicilian Lace From D&G
Taking inspiration from the place of the creators' birth, Sicily, Dolce&Gabbana Beauty introduces The Sicilian Lace: an easy-to-use, go-anywhere palette in a lacey case. With a long-lasting formula, for eyes there’s a natural harmony built around a warm nude, a light and bronze brown and a shimmering honey. For face, the perfect combination of colour and light: the Rosebud blush for adding warmth and radiance and a subtly sparkling illuminator to highlight cheekbones, brow bones and Cupid’s bow. For the lips there’s a play of two must-have colours: Classic Cream Lipstick in Petal and Scarlett, a rich, true red. The palette also contains a mirror and a multi-purpose make-up brush. Available at leading retailers.
Skincare from JLo
Not content with a multimillion dollar perfume range, superstar Jennifer Lopez is joining the ranks of big-name stars with her own skincare range. Expected to be available towards the end of the year, the seemingly ageless beauty has promised “something that works…and it doesn’t have anything to do with needles!” Jennifer’s fan base, and others, have long questioned how she maintains her almost impossibly youthful looks. As she heads towards her 50th birthday this year, she could easily pass for at least 15 years younger. And, it seems, we could now be about to find out. Speaking at an event to promote her latest film Second Act, the star told Yari Blanco: "I get that question a lot, especially as I get older… I want it to be something that encompasses all the things I’ve learned and all the secrets I have. It’s going to be something that works… That’s what you can count on when my name is on something.”
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Lebanese singer, actress, TV presenter and fashion trendsetter, Maya Dia,b has been signed as L’Oréal Professional’s new face for the Middle East. One of the most recognisable chic, edgy and stylish icons in the Arab world, Maya will participate in new brand initiatives and media campaigns across the region, rolling out over the next two years. She joins the ranks of models and mega-influencers Taylor Hill, Hailey Baldwin and Alexa Chung, who were all named brand ambassadors for L’Oréal Professional in the last two years.
Yet More From Huda
The unstoppable Huda Kattan has confirmed that she will launch a skincare line in 2019. The make-up artist and beauty blogger has almost 30 million social media followers and in 2017 was announced as one of the most influential people online. Just five years since its launch, her cosmetics line, which, like her blog, is named Huda Beauty, is estimated to be worth around USD200 million! At the end of 2018, she revealed her first fragrance line, Kayali, and now, according to an interview with instyle. com a skincare line is on the way.
Celeb Foundation Favourite Debuts
London-based brand EX1 cosmetics has launched in the region in an exclusive partnership with online retailer Boutiqaat. EX1 was founded in 2013 by beauty-obsessed biochemist Farah Naz, after she struggled to find an affordable foundation that matched her skin tone – she found them all either too pink or too orange, a struggle that will be familiar to many Arab women. Instead she used yellow and gold pigments in a bespoke blend to create Invisiwear Liquid Foundation and all her products are oil and fragrance free, non-pore clogging, clinically and dermatologically tested and produced under cruelty-free standards. Last year, EX1 was nominated as Best New Beauty Brand at the British Vogue Beauty Awards and the products have been seen on A-listers such as Kate Hudson, Adele and Huda Kattan. Available at www.boutiqaat.com www.womanthismonth.com
Bahraini Women’s Day
SOCIAL BUTTERFLY
The Bahrain Institute of Banking & Finance (BIBF) celebrated the national occasion of Bahraini Women’s Day, in support of the Supreme Council for Women’s efforts to honour and empower women as well as recognise their achievements.
BAS Celebrated Bahraini Women’s Day
CrediMax Celebrated Bahraini Women’s Day
Gulf Air Celebrated Bahraini Women’s Day
GFH celebrated Bahraini Women’s Day
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Institution of Civil Engineers Celebration
January 2019
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LIFESTYLE | home
IKEA
The
FEEL-GOOD Factor
If the past month has been full of party shenanigans, you might want to get back into your personal wellness routine and overcome the holiday hangover at the beginning of a brand-new year. While January blues are all too common, you can get ahead of them by surrounding yourself with home dĂŠcor that brings a sense of serenity to your space. You may have taken the baubles down, but you can still retain a subtle festive twinkle that brings back happy memories, while you curl up with a hot cup of something to keep you warm.
Reminiscent
Rocking chair IKEA
H&M Home
Fragrant candles H&M Home
Moments to Mull
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January 2019
www.womanthismonth.com
LIFESTYLE | home
Easy on the Eyes Faux flora THE One
Positive Vibes
Himalayan salt lamp www.amazon.com
Classic Calligraphy Candle stand Apartment51
Soothing Scents
Aromatherapy diffuser Lifestyle
Drink Up
Tea set Apartment51
Heal and Energise Amethyst crystal www.amazon.com
Inspired by Nature Steaming Shower
Glowing Memory
Table runner H&M Home
Photo frame with light THE One
Watercandy faucet Zucchetti
Snuggle Me Warm Throw Home Centre
Winter Feels Cosy bedding Home Box
Mystical Mandala
Wall art www.aliexpress.com
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January 2019
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LIFESTYLE | opinion
156th Lulu Hypermarket Inauguration The inauguration of Lulu Group International’s 156th Lulu Hypermarket was held at Atrium Mall, Saar
VEGAN VIEW Lahan Sperinck on the difference you could make with your diet
The new year is here and chances are you’ve come up with a bunch of resolutions to either be better, look better or do better. Let’s face it, these will last about a day. One resolution that is fairly easy and would mean doing a whole lot better for the environment is cutting down on some of those animal products. Before you dismiss this, let me give you some facts. First, 5,000 gallons of water are needed to produce one pound of beef, compared to one pound of wheat which needs 25 gallons. In other words, it took over 1,000 gallons of water to make that quarter pounder you had the other day. Second, scaling this down to an average meat eater eating plant-based for just one day, they would be saving 1,100 gallons of water, 45lbs of grain, 30sq/ft of forest, 10lbs of CO2, and one animal. If these numbers sound alarming, it’s because not many people think about the process of raising livestock. Think about all the crops it takes to feed the animals throughout their lifetime, the water it takes to grow those crops, as well as the deforestation, habitat loss, species extinction and everything else that comes with making space for these animals. How is it easy to stop eating everything I love, you may ask? You don’t have to. It’s about being consistent more than anything. Start with whatever change you feel would be the least difficult to make and stick with it. Here are a few things you could try: 1. Swapping to plant-based milks – they’re in almost every supermarket and in so many varieties so you’ll be sure to find one you like. 2. Meatless Mondays – no meat once a week or whatever you’re comfortable with. It’s about moving in the right direction regardless of the pace. 3. Add more greens and fruit in each meal – instead of focusing on taking food away from your plate, focus on what you’re adding. Be it drinking nut milks or eating a little less meat, any change you may make this New Year towards reducing animal product consumption in your diet, even for a day, can make a huge difference.
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LIFESTYLE | food
STYLE AND SUBSTANCE Introducing Laetitia and Theresa, food bloggers and authors of liveandtaste.com.
The duo, who are “addicted to trendy accessories, home décor, travel and a certain lifestyle – happy living and living well” became friends when they left their high-flying careers behind for Bahrain in 2010. They say: “After our two respective pregnancies, we started working out regularly together to get back into shape. To improve ourselves, we discovered an exciting new way of eating and cooking through a wellbalanced diet: mainly plant-based recipes, whole and unprocessed food, raw food, superfood, refined-sugar-free, gluten-free (as far as possible) and a limited amount of dairy. We found a new way of living! “We quickly realised that it boosted our energy to face our everyday activities with the kids and fights the tiredness we had before. Even more: you glow, you feel better, and you stay fit.” Since then, they’ve been sharing their experience and it was natural to start their blog liveandtaste.com “that reflects what we are and what we love!” Here, in the first of a quarterly series, Laetitia and Theresa share two recipes created exclusively for Woman This Month.
GREEN SMOOTHIE BOWL
TAHINI ENERGY BALLS
Rich in vitamins and fibre – perfect for breakfast or an early lunch.
To keep you energised and feeling fuller for longer – perfect snack before or after workout.
MAKES 1 BOWL Ingredients
MAKES 15 BALLS
1/2 avocado 1/2 banana 2 cups young spinach leaves 2 cups kale leaves 1/2 lemon, juice 1/4 cup almond milk
Ingredients
½ cup sunflower seeds ½ cup pumpkin seeds 2 tbsp oats (gluten free if possible) ¼ cup tahini ½ lemon, juice 1 tbsp water ¼ cup cannellini beans (from can) 4 soft dates, pitted 1 tbsp protein powder (optional)
Method 1. Heat a large pan over high heat. Add sunflower and pumpkin seeds, reduce the heat to medium and toast, stirring frequently, until slightly brown, for three to four minutes. Set aside. 2. Place the other ingredients (oats, tahini, lemon juice, water, beans, dates and (optional) protein powder) in a food processor. Add toasted sunflower and pumpkin seeds and pulse for 30 seconds or longer if you prefer smoother rather than crunchy balls.
Topping
1/2 kiwi, sliced 1 tbsp roasted buckwheat groats 1 tbsp hazelnuts 2 tbsp coconut flakes
Method
1. Remove thick middle stems from the kale leaves, using a sharp knife and chop the leaves into big pieces. 2. Wash and drain the kale and spinach leaves. 3. Place all the bowl’s ingredients in your blender. 4.Blend until smooth, for about 40-50 seconds. Add more almond milk, if needed. 5. Transfer to a bowl and decorate with the topping ingredients. Serve immediately!
3. Using your wet hands, shape the dough into 15 balls. Then, (optional) roll them in ground/crushed pumpkin seeds or sunflower seeds, spirulina powder, etc. 4. Chill for one hour to firm up. They last for three to four days in the fridge. More healthy recipes on www.liveandtaste.com Instagram-Facebook : live.and.taste www.womanthismonth.com
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LIFESTYLE | opinion
SPRING CLEAN YOUR FINANCES Financial expert Pria Masson Tanwar says “Why wait for spring? It’s never a bad time to clean up.”
A
s per Japanese writer Marie Kondo, decluttering your home is the same as decluttering your life. The idea is to banish from your world anything that “does not give you joy” and it apparently has a multiplying effect on your life overall. If only de-cluttering expenses was as simple. Because, lets face it, most expenses do give us “joy” or are essential, else, we probably may not make them. Or would we? Over the past couple of months, I have outlined ways to streamline investing by taking things a step at a time and breaking everything down. A similar approach can work to figure out what to do with our almost constantly burgeoning expenses. If you think about it, it’s not that different from decluttering your house one cupboard at a time. It’s all about creating an expense hierarchy. Divide the total into staple expenses, life expenses, emergency, lifestyle, large one-off expenditures and luxury expenses. Staple expenses would basically be rent, essential groceries and whatever other mandatory expenses you need to make each month such as school fees and daily medications. These can include obligations
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toward investments made and therefore will include any EMI’s payable. Life expenses are things like cosmetics you use, daily-wear clothes, etc. Emergency expenses are in the form of a certain amount kept aside for medical and other unforeseen expenses. One-off expenses should ideally be made using this buffer. Lifestyle expenses are ones that pamper, so they take the form of better brands of products used, clothes worn etc. Luxury expenses such as holidays are self-explanatory. The crucial aspect of the above exercise is to realise that your expenses are nothing but a depiction of your life. By that I mean your life’s priorities. For example, when looking at fixed top-priority expenses (staples), we need to be careful to classify fixed as those that truly cannot be compromised upon. And this is specific to each family and what they deem as top-priority expenses. For some, a top school, despite the financial burden, could be non-negotiable; whereas for others, a tier-two school with less pressure on the family may work. It’s about personal priorities. It’s also about realistically knowing how much a dinar can really buy. So, it does require that the conversation on decluttering is a family discussion. The things to think about are: where are you today in terms of the money you have, the financial obligations you have, the financial obligations you hope to
have and of course your financial security for the future. As an explanation, if you have a loan on a car or a home etc, you have a fixed obligation. If you hope to have children to send to college, there is the financial obligation that you hope to have. Where you are, what you absolutely must do and where you want to go will break down expenses and help you to reclassify and declutter them. To declutter expenses, the room for negotiation is in the lifestyle and luxury zone. Rather than looking for the “joy”, look for the “stress”. If an expense gives you that feeling of guilt at the bottom of your stomach, it’s probably one that you know you can live without. I am not saying you should live without it, but realise that that’s the first sign of a negotiable expense. No one feels guilty about spending on medicines for instance. Yet, medicines bring no joy and we all need joy in our lives. So unless you absolutely cannot afford to, in decluttering expenses, do not assume that all pampering is unnecessary. Spring cleaning after all is all about ushering in spring and all the good it brings. Remember to budget for a few flowers, just for you to look at and enjoy, guilt-free.
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CONVERSATIONS WITH
LIFESTYLE | opinion
A FOUR-YEAR-OLD H
Ouiam Charkani El Hassani explores the joys of childish chat.
aving a conversation with a four-year-old can be like walking in a minefield. You never know what kind of gems will burst from their sweet little mouths, left, right and centre. Sometimes you are amazed by their extraordinary wisdom, other times they embarrass you and make you want to escape the room and seek refuge on another planet. At this point of their life their curiosity is taking over every single move they make, it is guiding their steps and taking them on a journey of discovery. Their little brains are beaming with questions they want to ask, new words they would like to use, and just a great deal of information they are ready to grasp. When they start asking questions about God, their bodies, or… wait I have an even better one: “Mama Where do kids come from?”, they simply throw you off-guard, and you can never be prepared enough to get the right answer! In a day my four-years-old can make me sweat, laugh or even sometimes get mad with the endless questions, remarks and all sorts of things he can say. And even though I am constantly looking for ways to improve my answers, he still manages to surprise me with things that make me wonder how and where did he learn this from? These little minds are working
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even when we are not looking, they hear you talking to your husband, your mum, your neighbour and even to the little sibling. They record everything and then, when you least expect it, they throw it your way, with a grin and charming eyes that you can’t resist. There are some concepts that these brilliant little kids are still trying to wrap their heads around, like numbers, places, time…etc. It is so hilarious when they try to put it in a conversation. For example, when you ask your child to have three more bites of their dinner, and they say: “No, I will only have 10!” Or when you try to explain the idea of countries and cities or when they ask you to go swimming and you answer you will go when summer comes, so they keep asking every single day if summer has come yet. It’s things like these that irritate you to the core, yet still make you laugh somehow. I would say the hardest one I have faced, was when I wanted to explain to my little boy that his grandfather had passed away. We embarked on the journey of life and death, and what each one meant. Things that myself I had doubts about, so trying to break them
down in a way that would fit his still-growing brain was an extremely difficult challenge. Yet somehow my son took it all in, and still managed to bring out his innocence and his unique wisdom, one that can only stream from an old soul. It is amazing how these little humans that we are raising can change the way we see things, through the very little knowledge they have. Conversations with a fouryear-old can make your life more vivid and more intense, they can enrich your life and give you funny stories to tell, for when you are sipping a drink with your girlfriends – aren’t we all guilty of talking about our kids non-stop, when we finally manage to sneak away from them? These conversations will make great memories, you will remember them when your kids are old enough to laugh about them too, maybe you will remember them on their graduation day, and wonder how did they grow so big. Conversations with a four-year-old are some of the the most interesting conversations you will ever have! Chanelmama
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LIFESTYLE
WIN BIG
AND GET FIT P
ure Yoga + Cycle (PYC) is the coolest new fitness hangout for islanders and has quickly gained recognition for its excellent Spinning and yoga training facilities. Proprietor Fatima Batook is a Spinning master instructor herself and also the founder of Tima, the first Arab / Saudi brand for fitness and sport apparel in the Middle East which debuted in 2015. PYC is currently the only premiere hot yoga studio and licensed Spinning facility in Bahrain. It is located in Hamala, close to the British School of Bahrain and Batelco. The centre boasts new instructors, new offerings and a sleek retail area full of healthy and ecofriendly items, including Tima apparel. The outlet offers various styles of yoga,
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We at Woman This Month are feeling generous and we’ve teamed up with the lovely folks at Pure Yoga + Cycle to give you the chance to get fit and fab, all by entering our social media competition. including Bikram, Hatha, Ashtanga, Vinyasa, Odaka, Kundalini, Sivananda, Nidra, Rocketflow, Glow-in-the-dark, Yin, Restorative, Power and Crossfit Yoga to suit your needs. There are separate classes for males and females, as well as mixed groups. Mats, showers, a changing area and towels are all available for your use. PYC brings Spinning in its original form for the first time to Bahrain, and is enthusiastic to show residents its effectiveness in achieving a fit, toned body. With a warm and inviting atmosphere, PYC immediately puts clients at ease. In the pipeline are new sessions, corporate yoga classes, a weight-loss programme, workshops and new partnerships at the friendly space.
COMPETITION TIME
We've partnered with Pure Yoga + Cycle to help kick-start your journey to a healthy life by giving away two gift vouchers worth BD100 each to two lucky readers. To enter: 1. Follow us on Instagram @ womanthismonth 2. Tag three friends.
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last word
In Her Shoes Minal Bhatia, product specialist – Dermacosmetic Division at Gulf Pharmacy – invites us into her world.
Favourite childhood band or artist?
I was totally a Bollywood kid and loved Kailash Kher for his Sufi music.
What’s your favourite breakfast?
I would love to have fresh fruits or avocado toast with a cup of masala tea or a seasonal fruit smoothie for instant energy.
Most random thing in your handbag (purse) right now?
Tweezers! Hahaha. They’re always a helpful tool when you have busy weeks at work.
What would you go as for a fancy dress party?
I guess Elsa from Frozen. My niece has made this character grow in my head as she is a big fan.
What book would you recommend others to read?
How I Raised Myself From Failure To Success In Selling – endorsed by Dale Carnegie. I’m not sure it is for everyone but recommended for people related to sales.
Minal Bhatia
Diamonds or pearls?
Always a diamond girl. As they say “Diamonds are a girl’s best friend.”
What’s your ideal holiday destination?
Greece Santorini. That place looks divine with blue waters and white buildings.
What superpower would you like to have? I wish I could be omnipresent. As I am a multitasker I am always short of time. I could do more with this super power. www.womanthismonth.com
Three things you don’t leave the house without?
Bio Balance Argon Oil Hand Balm, Keratin Brush from The Cosmetic Republic and, surely, my mobile phone.
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